Steelers Fans May Not Be Happy About Player Projected To Stick On Roster Throughout 2025

The Pittsburgh Steelers are almost ready to cut their roster down from 90 men to 53 for the regular season. Many of the players released will likely be brought back to the team immediately after to be on the practice squad. There is still some time for certain position battles to unfold, as a handful of undrafted free agents have been making their case for why they should not get released before roster cutdown day. There may be some tough, unfortunate decisions being made at the very end of August, however. 

The top three tight ends for Pittsburgh have seemingly been locked into place. However, the team likes to keep four on the roster. At this point, it's a two-horse race for that last spot between undrafted free agent JJ Galbreath and fourth-year utility man Connor Heyward. Fans have been clamoring for Galbreath to stick around, especially with the connection he had with Will Howard early in training camp before he got injured. 

It doesn't sound like Steelers fans will get their wish, though. While making an appearance on 93.7 The Fan, insider Ray Fittipaldo explained why Pittsburgh would want to keep Heyward around for one more year.

"People ask me, 'Why would the Steelers' offense keep Connor Heyward?' They're not keeping him for the offense," Fittipaldo said. "He's a backup. They're keeping him because he's good on special teams, and that goes for Mark Robinson or Carson Bruener or whoever the #5 inside linebacker's going to be."

The Steelers have been known to prioritize special teams and being very efficient on that front. In 2024, they were loaded with aces in that phase, and almost all of them have returned for the 2025 season. The main one that was not brought back was Tyler Matakevich, and that's because the depth at the linebacker position is so good. Besides, they have other special teamers there, as Fittipaldo mentioned. 

Heyward was drafted as an undersized fullback/tight end hybrid back in 2022, but almost exclusively played backup tight end/special teams as a rookie. Since then, he has been one of the many aces on the team that makes the specialists unit one of the strongest in the NFL. Of course, the Steelers don't know exactly how Galbreath will fare in that regard, so they may rather keep him on the practice squad and stick with Heyward.

Some would argue that Heyward is not needed in that regard, especially with guys like Miles Killebrew, Ben Skowronek, James Pierre, and others proving to be amazing specialists too. However, they won't want to downgrade on that sense to get a slight upgrade for the last-string player on offense or defense. That's why the most likely scenario is Cameron Heyward's little brother finishing out his rookie contract in Pittsburgh. 

Current And Future Steelers' Undrafted Rookies See Clear Path To Making The Roster

The formula is very simple: if you can contribute in some way or another on special teams, the Steelers are more likely to find a place for you on the team, and that's the secret to getting playing time on offense or defense as well -- like Heyward. Undrafted rookie receivers Roc Taylor and Ke'Shawn Williams have been working out as returners to help their chances, while Max Hurleman has gotten a few reps as a gunner as well. 

While the Steelers love their special teamers, they won't give them a raise to stay on the roster in that regard unless they are the captain of the unit like Killebrew is. That means Heyward and Robinson are likely in their last years in Pittsburgh. There will be spots open on special teams for any incoming rookies to compete for in 2026. Maybe Galbreath can step up and make the team then as well.

What do you think about Heyward sticking around due to his abilities on special teams? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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